It all began in Poland in the mid-1800s. Mother Angela Truszkowska combed alleys, attics and broken-down buildings in order to gather street kids who had nowhere to go. They were, for the most part, hungry, dirty and alone, and they had to fend for themselves in the streets of Warsaw. Then war broke out. Widows had nowhere to go. Mother Angela took pity on them, as well, and invited them to join the children in the house on Smolensk Street.
That’s how it started. One person filled with love and compassion who reached out to gather those in greatest need. She was the foundress of the Felician Sisters.
In 1874, the first five sisters arrived in America. As the years went by, the number of Felician Sisters grew and their ministries flourished as they cared for the poor in their midst. Over time, they had a strong presence on the south side of Milwaukee. Today sisters, along with our lay partners, continue to care for those in our midst.
One of our ministries, Villa St. Francis, is an assisted living residence. Throughout the years, we have welcomed many who have chosen to live here. Villa St. Francis provides a home-like atmosphere where we provide health monitoring and medical services. Our Life Enrichment team works diligently to provide social and educational opportunities that are truly life-enhancing. Even though Mass is celebrated daily, we are truly an ecumenical community that welcomes people of all faiths. Additional spiritual opportunities are available, as well.
One of our newest additions is Angela’s Crossing, our memory care unit. The overall goal of the Memory Care Program is to maximize the resident’s cognitive, psychosocial and functional skills in order to help maintain their highest level of functioning. We provide a supportive community setting and personal care services in a clean, comfortable, secure environment. Each resident has a treatment plan that outlines realistic goals. Imperative to the program is the emphasis on community integration for each resident. Social, religious activities, cultural events and interaction through facility events and activities are available.
Our Mission Statement gives us our identity: “We continue the ministry of Jesus by providing person-centered services to meet the contemporary needs of aging individuals and their families.” Our core values of dignity of person, compassion, transformation, solidarity with the poor, and justice and peace, are the way we live out that mission. We are privileged to provide for each as much autonomy and flexibility as possible within the parameters of our residents’ care needs. Creating a compassionate environment wherein all feel welcomed, supported and cared for is at the heart of all we do.
Villa St. Francis
1910 W. Ohio Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53215
414-649-2888
Villastfrancis.org
Owner: Felician Sisters
Open 24 hours
